Bloomington, Ill., approves gay rights ordinance

The Bloomington, Ill., city council voted 6-2 Monday night to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation. The ordinance outlaws discrimination in jobs, housing, lending, and public accommodations based on sexual orientation. It exempts decisions made by religious societies and groups whose mission would be affected. The vote came three weeks after Decatur's city council passed a similar ordinance. Neighboring Normal has banned such discrimination since 2001. Similar bans are in place in Champaign and Urbana.